Learn About Optical Filters

What is an Optical Filter? (And, what makes a good one?)   

 

Filters allow wavelengths of interest pass through unadulterated, and absorb or reflect the rest.

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The following concepts and terms are key to recognizing a good filter:

Peak Transmission is the maximum transmission of the filter (generally given as a percentage), telling you how much of the desired wavelength reaches the detector or your eye. 

Blocking (OD) refers to the unwanted wavelengths that are absorbed or reflected. 

Full-width half-max (FWHM) describes the width of the transmitting region at half of the maximum transmission value (nm). Because of the physics of thin-film interference filters, FWHM generally increases with wavelength. 

Signal to Noise Ratio

Types of Filters

There are a variety of filters useful for astrophotography and naked eye viewing. 

Narrowband Filters

Filters that can distinguish between oxygen and hydrogen can reveal hotter and cooler spots in a nebula. These can also reduce the effects of light pollution. 

Neutral Density Filters

Enhance lunar and planetary observations.